Dear Editor,
I wanted to write a letter about how I liked the idea of a farm market in Steveston Village at the Rod’s Building Supplies site, as suggested in some letters to the editor. I wanted to write about how I thought that a market would fit the character of Steveston Village and how important it was to preserve the uniqueness of this heritage site. But then my attention turned to the discovery that The Cannery Café may be closing its doors.
For several years, Saturday morning has been reserved for our five kilometre walk to Steveston Village, which always included breakfast at the Cannery Café. Over time, we recognized many faces at the restaurant, occasionally met up with friends there, got to know the owners, and even Once Upon a Time was filmed there.
The Cannery Café is simple, unpretentious, a friendly and relaxing place, a livelihood for a family. For several months we have known that the property was purchased by overseas investors, but we continued to hope that the negotiations would end favourably. Short of some last minute miracle, it doesn’t appear so.
It will be missed. Something with less character and higher profit margins will no doubt replace it.
Regretfully, another step in the slow and insidious disconnect to the community that we called home. Yes, our property value has increased. If only that was enough.
N. McDonald
Richmond
